South African Public Holidays 2026
All 13 days off in 2026, with the day of the week.
- New Year’s DayThursday1 January
- Human Rights DaySaturday21 March
- Good FridayFriday · long weekend3 April
- Family DayMonday · long weekend6 April
- Freedom DayMonday · long weekend27 April
- Workers’ DayFriday · long weekend1 May
- Youth DayTuesday16 June
- National Women’s DaySunday9 August
- National Women’s Day (observed)Monday · long weekend10 August
- Heritage DayThursday24 September
- Day of ReconciliationWednesday16 December
- Christmas DayFriday · long weekend25 December
- Day of GoodwillSaturday26 December
6 fall on a Monday or Friday, giving a long weekend.
Add 2026 public holidays to your calendar
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How it works
Questions
How many public holidays are there in South Africa in 2026?
There are 12 public holidays, plus 1 extra Monday off because a holiday falls on a Sunday.
What happens when a public holiday falls on a Sunday?
Under the Public Holidays Act, the following Monday becomes a public holiday.
What happens when a public holiday falls on a Saturday?
Nothing changes. There is no extra day off for a Saturday holiday.